Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque yesterday announced 23-man squad for friendly games against United States and Venezuela, and it is little to say that many were surprised by his selection.

Pablo Hernandez, Xavi, Carles Puyol and Jesus Navas miss out through injury, which is why the experienced coach decided to hand Sevilla’s latest signing Manu Del Moral his first call-up, while he explained his reasons for doing so.

“Mainly his versatility, he is in good physical condition, he can play on either wing, he has quality, and he’s a fresh player,” Del Bosque said.

“We were short of players that can play on the wings. We don’t have Juan Mata, Pablo Hernandez, Jesus Navas … as well as that, Manu has been working well in recent years.”

Villarreal midfielder Borja Valero and Bruno Soriano also made the squad, whereas Javi Martinez and Juan Manuel Mata will help the Under-21 squad.

Despite scoring 12 goals in last 9 appearances, Valencia’s Roberto Soldado has been overlooked, but Fernando Torres is included.

Spain squad:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jos Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).

Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carlos Marchena (Villareal), Joan Capdevila (Villareal), Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao).

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santiago Cazorla, Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Bruno Soriano (Villareal), Borja Valero (Villareal).

Forwards: David Villa (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Manu Del Moral (Sevilla), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla).